Chapter 4

'We knew you wouldn't die Harry.'

I glance over when I hear George say this to Harry and shake my head at his comment. Somehow Harry lived and escaped the Dragon and could collect the dragons egg and earn a spot for the next task. After the horrifying task of trying to beat a Dragon everyone… well mostly Gryffindor's, realized that Harry was telling the truth. Who in the right mine would want to compete in this tournament.

'Go on Harry, what's the next clue?' Seamus states giving Harry a grin

Standing on a table in the center of the crowd, Harry grins, 'Who wants me to open it?' He shouts teasing all of us, 'You want me to open it?'

'YES!'

He grins and hits the top of the egg and SHREECH!

The most hideous, painful sound imaginable came from inside the egg. Covering my ears and grimacing praying Harry would finally close the lid of the egg. Thank the lord! I sigh in relief as the egg is finally shut. I could feel a slight headache occurring from the noise it gave off.

'All right everyone, nothing to see here. Go back to your business.' Fred announces when Ron heads towards Harry

I try to give enough space in a crowded common room and find a corner to squeeze my way next to Lavender.

'I hope this conversation resolves the quarrel. It was starting to get very awkward having the two of them ignoring each other and dragging Hermione into it.' I whisper to Lavender who nods in agreement.

'Did you hear the news?' Lavender states excitedly

'No.'

'Along with the Tri-Wizard Tournament there's going to be a dance!' Lavender whispered, hardly containing her excitement at such a pitch

'Really! That's great!' I exclaim in equal excitement, thoughts flooding my head, 'Oh my god! I need to figure out a dress and- oh I hope I have a date to go with!'

'I know! Same here! I was just discussing this with Patil twins.'

Heading back into our dormitory we continued to talk about how at the next trip to Hogsmead we would go dress shopping and start figuring out who may ask us. That night I dreamt about dancing, gowns and music.

'There you are! We didn't think you would make it to breakfast.' Hermione exclaimed as I rushed over and took a seat at the table, earning snickering from classmates

'Sorry! I really didn't want to get up this morning.' I reply, as I help myself to French Toast and fruit, noticing a package in front of Ron. 'What's that there?'

'Oh! I dunno it just came a moment ago,' Ron replied remembering the box in front of him. 'Look my mum sent me something!'

Excitedly Ron rips the paper off and his face turns to confusion, 'Mum sent me a dress?!' Ron exclaimed pulling out this long cloak.

'Well, it does match your eyes.' Harry remarks and I try not to laugh, 'Is there a bonnet as well?'

'Ginny, these must be for you?' Ron states glancing as Ginny hoping there was just a misunderstanding

'I'm not wearing that, it's ghastly.' Ginny remarks grimacing at the clothing

Suddenly Hermione starts laughing making all of us turn towards her, 'What are you on about?' Ron remarks

'They're not for Ginny they're for you! Dress robes.' Hermione finally spills

I start to choke on my orange juice at her statement, only to earn more glares from Ron.

'Dress robes? For what?' Ron asked out loud

'The Yule Ball.' I remark with a smile. 'Lavender just told me yesterday.'

…..

Later that afternoon we were brought to the assembly room, where I took a seat next to Hermione. We were separated with boys on one side and girls on the other. Professor McGonagall with standing patiently waiting to start her speech.

'The Yule ball has been a tradition of the Tri-Wizard tournament since its inception…..'

I couldn't believe it, not only a dance but on Christmas Eve night! I wonder if my parents knew about it? Hearing laughter I focus to find that Ron was asked to demonstrate the dance by holding onto Professor McGonagall's waist.

'Everybody come together.' Professor McGonagall states motioning us to stand up and take partners. For the remainder of the day we went over the dance with our partners.

The rest of the week was hard to concentrate on school and homework. Everyone was constantly talking about the ball and finding out who was taking who to the dance. It made me nervous though because I wasn't sure if I would get a date for the dance. Sure, I was the new girl but that doesn't mean I'll get asked.

Saturday, I would be going with Lavender, Padma and Pavarti. That morning I bundled in my winter gear that included a beanie and a Gryffindor scarf and the three of us hurried down to the Common Room, to follow the rest of the students into town.

I was glad today it wasn't snowing heavily and trekking through town was manageable. Our first stop was the tailors where we all tried on dresses until we could settle on the best one. It was great gossiping with them and trying the dresses on. Padma and Pavarti almost wore matching traditional India formal gowns, where Lavender and I choose ball gowns. We met up with Dean and Seamus and spent the rest of the time in the candy store or grabbing food and butterbeer.

'Guys I'm a bit worn out. I'm going to head back up to Hogwarts. Anyone want to tag along and keep me company?' I remark while everyone was sampling candy

'I'm done shopping as well.' Dean remarks with a smile, 'I'll walk back with you.'

'Thanks Dean.' I smile before turning to the others, 'Bye! I'll see you guys later!'

Shoving my grey beanie back on my head and glaring at the snow I followed Dean on the path back to Hogwarts.

'I forget how cold it is out here.' I grumble

'Yeah, I can't wait for it to get nice out again.' Dean remarks as he shoves his hands in his pockets

'Do you think they'll have a band come and play for the dance?' I ask trying to make conversation

'I dunno. Haven't heard anything about music.' Dean states

'Hm, same here.'

The whole way back we talk about Quidditch, the tournament and what we'll do during winter break. It could be hopeful on my end but I thought it was nice that Dean would be okay to walk back to school with just me.

'So.' Dean began as we neared the Fat Lady, 'Are you planning to go to the dance?'

'Yeah I wouldn't miss it!' I reply with a smile

'Do you… er… have a date. For the dance, you know?' Dean nervously asks… almost soft enough I couldn't hear him

'A date? No. I haven't been asked yet.' I answer, my heart rate going up a notch. Was he about to ask?!

'Oh. Um… well you would- would you want to go to the dance with me?' Dean states with a shy smile when he looks over at me stopping us at the portrait of the Fat Lady.

'Yes! Of course, I'll go to the dance with you!' I reply grinning stupidly at him.

'Really?!' Dean states surprised, 'That's great!'

We stand there grinning at each other like idiots before we finally realize we should head back into the common room. I was over the moon! I couldn't believe Dean was going to be my date for the Yule Ball!

'I'm really glad you asked me.' I tell him as we take a seat by the window

'Really?' He asks with a cute grin showing off his dimples.

'Yeah.' I reply settling down but my face still plastered with a huge grin, 'Now, let's see if I can beat you at Wizards Chess.'

'You're on!' Dean replies, settling in for what ended up being a long night in the common room.

Sunday morning after a large dose of coffee I dragged myself to the library where I found a hidden corner. All set with the requirements: out of the way hiding place away from people? Check. A nice table and chair to do work on? Check. Surrounded by books? Check.

Sighing contently, I dove into the rest of the homework that I needed to finish for classes tomorrow, or start working on assignments like Potions, which would take a few days to get right by the end of the week. Yet, no matter how much I continued to work I kept getting distracted by my thoughts. I couldn't believe that I was going to the Yule Ball with Dean Thomas! Sure, it was just a date for the night but still.

'I thought I saw you come this way.' A voice calls out, breaking my train of thought.

Glancing up I roll my eyes, 'Hello Draco.' I greet watching him saunter over and take a seat next to me

'Don't you do anything besides homework?' He remarks glancing at the table full of books

'As a matter of fact, yes. However, you just happen to time it that I'm working on homework when you decide to come around.' I remark eying him. I wasn't sure what he wanted and Lavender's comments still irked me.

'You make that sound as if I'm planning this out Edwards.' Draco states grinning at me, he leans in a bit as he continues, 'A Malfoy never would stoop so low. I just happened to be in the library also when you walked in and was curious to why you decided to work in a corner by yourself than sit at the open tables?'

'Yeah, yeah, you are always staying stuff like that.' I brush off his first comments before continuing, 'I happened to like spots like this one. It means I have not only privacy, but there's no distractions and I can carry a conversation out without getting kicked out of the library.'

'I guess that could be a valid answer.' Draco remarks eyeing the spot with new interest.

'Now, don't you get any ideas! I don't want to find a bunch of Slytherins back here.' I retort sending a glare at him. I was not about to lose a perfectly good location because he decided he liked it as well.

'Tsk, tsk, Edwards that doesn't sound like a Gryffindor.' Draco remarks grinning at me, 'What if I make you a deal?'

'What do you mean a deal?'

'What if…. Instead of a bunch of Slytherins hanging out here on a Sunday morning; it's just one?' Draco implied, trying to give me an innocent look.

'That would depend on which one?' I dared, my heart kicked up a speed with Draco's new tone and I couldn't help but grin at him as I waited for a response.

'Perhaps one who likes cornering you alone.' Draco teased with a smirk

'I guess… I'll live with having to share the space with one annoying Slytherin than having them take the place over.' I tease still unable to get rid of the grin. This wasn't good that this progression on our conversation was sending a wave of butterflies though my stomach, quickening up my heart rate.

I was watching him… unable to look away from his silver eyes. They were challenging me to continue this banter with him and pleasure at my response. He took a seat next to me leaning forwards.

'Good.' He murmurs deeply, 'I wasn't going to take no for an answer.'

My heart jumped into my throat and I was beyond shocked. Were we- were we just flirting?

'Now.' He drawled jumping me from my thoughts, 'What exactly are you working on?'

He leaned over more, reaching over me and grabbing my potions essay sending whiff of pine and something else I couldn't quite trace.

'Ah… Potions.' Draco drawled as he scanned what I wrote so far. 'This essay isn't due until the end of this week?'

'Yes, but I wanted to start now. The class is difficult and Snape isn't one to be easy, so I want to make sure I do well.' I reply waiting for him to but the scroll down.

'Hm, well I would suggest you go back to the reading and you should find what you're looking for to include.' Draco stated handing it back to me

'Thank you.' I reply surprised he was so willing to offer help.

'You're welcome. Of course, don't go around telling people I'm doing this.' Draco giving me a stern look, 'It would ruin my reputation.'

I roll my eyes in response and nod in agreement. Yes, you certainly do have a reputation. The question is why are you risking your reputation to come hang out with me.